Bethsalem Baptist Church

Bro. Bobby welcomed everyone and gave ministry opportunities. Bro. Cleve led the congregation in lots of songs. Bro. Bobby gave the children’s sermon, which was about faith. The Celebration Choir special was “Jesus Built This Church on Love.” Bro. Bobby preached his sermon “Real Faith” from Mark 16:1-7 and James 2:22-23.

The evening message, “You Need Jesus,” was from Colossians 1:1-14. Thanks to Bro. Cleve, our youth had a great fellowship after church.

Pray for our pastor search committee, Lilliane Thompson, Eric and Hope Wilson, Bently and babies, Brad and Rebecca, Emma Eubank, Charles Bryant, Hunter Moore, Eddie Vaughn, Artie Wilson, Chris Pugh, Beth Welch, Flora Snyder, Johnny Smith, Scott McKenzie, Rebecca Martin, Jessie Philips, Jamie Chandler, Johnny McClain, Bobby Bush, the Crawford family, Jason Nelson, Dan Tessin, George and Diane Williams, Marshall Green, those facing cancer, our homebound, and those in assisted living and nursing homes.

Happy Birthday to Roy Martin, Kayla Night, Shirley Wesson, Cody Stange, Reese Sims, Janet Hand, Joel Gray, Vicky Wilson, Katye Bevers, Perry Benjamin, Carleigh Mims, Breanna Britton, Patsy Staggs, Jeff Pack, John Allen Britton, Seth Wendell, Bryce Bevers, Tammy Jones, Brandon Wells and Tracy Hand.

Come join us in our worship at Bethsalem, where the love of God in Christ is freely shared.

Christ Independent Methodist Church

On this perfect Sabbath Day, church attendance was proof of our thankfulness. Dr. Mac Stinson’s always-challenging sermon was our reward.

We began our service with three beautiful old hymns: “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling,” “All the Way My Savior Leads Me” and “Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus.”

Dr. Stinson’s sermon was titled “Changed Lives Series: Nicodemus.” The scripture was taken from John 3:1-17.

No book in the New Testament has ever exerted more influence upon Christian thought and conduct than the Gospel according to John. This gospel stands apart from others in a variety of ways: Its purpose and viewpoint are different; it is an interpretation, not a biography; and its profound spiritual truths are expressed in the simplest language.

From the third quarter of the second century A.D. until the 19th century, it was held without question that the author writing from Ephesus was John the apostle. The author, while never naming himself, does claim to be an eyewitness and refers to himself as the disciple whom Jesus loved (John 20:2, 21:7,20).

What did Christ mean when he said, “No one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again”? He was following in the footsteps of John the Baptist: “In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:1-2).

Jesus used almost the same language when he began his ministry. His first sermon began like this: “The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15).

Many of Jesus’ parables were about the kingdom. The main task of the church, Jesus said, is to tell about the kingdom. The kingdom is a gift that we seek, but one which God alone grants according to God’s timetable.

We think happiness is to be found in a big bank account, a position of prominence or a perfect family. Though they are nice, these things will not meet our deepest needs. But reach farther, for no one can see the kingdom of God unless that person is born again.

Continue to pray for Bobbie Sammons, Dwight Sammons, Annelle Smith, Sally Adams and Bobby Varden. Thank you Lord for our beautiful Sunday.

Youth Saturday is Feb. 10.

Our evening worship service continues in the study of the book of Daniel.

I wish you a blessed week ahead.